WHY DOES THE TAP WATER SMELL OF BLEACH?
This definition is well known; drinking water is colorless, odorless and tasteless water. By this we clearly understand that water should not taste or smell. Then ; Why does the water that the water authority usually serves smells like bleach? Does this have repercussions on the health of the consumer? Can we make the smell of the water we drink go away?
This odor so easily identifiable as bleach, it also owes it to a chemical compound that happens to be the main part of its active ingredient, namely chlorine. If tap water smells like bleach, it is because there is chlorine present. Rather, the question should be worded like this: “Why does tap water smell like chlorine?” “
As bizarre as it may sound, the presence of chlorine in water is basically a guarantee of consumer safety. Indeed, chlorine is mainly used to destroy microorganisms and germs that may be present in the water. It therefore ensures that safe and potable water is made available to the consumer.
How is it that you experience the taste of chlorine in water ?
It is actually the result of a chemical reaction between chlorine and organic products in the water. When chlorine comes into contact with organic matter in water, a chemical reaction occurs which gives rise to a chemical compound other than chlorine; chloramine. This odor, resulting from this transformation of chlorine into chloramine, may seem unpleasant, but it is proof that the chlorine treatment works.
Does the presence of chlorine in water not have a detrimental effect on the health of the consumer ?
Chlorine is obviously a potentially dangerous product for human health, but only at a given concentration level. However, it is a very present element in our daily life; much more than we think. Not only is it an integral part of cleaning products, it is also present in natural products such as salt.
In France, for example, to limit the impact of this presence of chlorine in water on the general health of the population, a presence ceiling of 0.1Mg / liters (for residual chlorine) has been imposed by the French government. .
However, if the consumption of chlorine turns out to be important, the risks of bladder and colon cancer cannot be ruled out. In addition, for toddlers, the continual presence of chlorine could promote the occurrence of certain types of allergies.
The presence of chlorine is therefore not to be overlooked; it is best to find an easy and safe way to remove it from the water, before using it
How can you remove chlorine from water ?
Leave the water to stand: Chlorine is a very volatile substance. It evaporates quite quickly. The simplest, and perhaps the most obvious, way to extract it from the water would therefore be to let it stand. It is possible to collect the water in a container and dispose of it open, of course, in a place where there is no risk of contamination. However, it is best to drink it within 24 hours of treatment, to be sure that you are consuming quality water.
Boil water: it is one of the best alternatives. It is even recommended as part of infant feeding. Indeed, this method has a double interest. Initially, it makes it possible to get rid of chlorine completely, by the principle of evaporation. Secondly, because the water is heated to a boil, a large part of the germs and bacteria that may have resisted the action of chlorine will be destroyed. Moreover, this also guaranteed method saves time quite big.
Get a filtration system: This technique is perhaps the safest of all. This is a system that instantly provides water free of microbes, and chlorine. Filtration systems are generally attached to the end of the taps, or better it is a filtering water fountain for individuals operating by gravity system or filter jug. The water therefore there is a passage before going out for use. During this passage through the filtering system, the water passes through several filter layers, each with a specific interest, which allows to obtain at the end of the operations, a clean water, without germ and without chlorine.
To find out more on the subject:
Why can the presence of residues in drinking water be harmful?
Naturally, your body needs a certain amount of water to stay in good shape. However, some elements in water such as arsenic can be harmful to the body.
Why is it important to control the water we drink?
There may be particles in drinking water such as lime and chlorine. Elements that can be harmful to our body.
The 5 reasons why you should drink more water
Why is it so important to maintain the water levels in our body? Water can help your bodily systems to function properly.
